An organization called Community Supported Art Saint Louis has named nine local artists to launch its new program.
The concept is as simple as a paint-by-the-numbers project: Fifty CSA “shares” are up for grabs at $300 apiece. Each share-buyer receives nine original works — one from each artist — at three “pick-up” events this September, October and November. Every artist walks away with $1,000 and wider exposure.
The first batch of artists includes two printmakers, a painter, a fiber artist, a comic book artist, two photographers, a ceramicist and a sculptor (see full list of names, below).
Lead CSA organizer Katy Peace told St. Louis Public Radio the process is a win-win-win for St. Louis.
“Obviously, it’s a win for the artists because we are commissioning their work and paying for it. It’s great for local collectors, young collectors interested in buying art but don’t know where to start and maybe don’t have a lot of money,” Peace said. “And for the St. Louis community, it’s another creative avenue.”
‘A really good deal’
CSA modeled its program after a similar organization in Minneapolis run by a group called Springboard for the Arts. Fifty St. Louis artists applied for the first nine spots. Judges included local artists Stan Chisholm and Juan William Chavez.
CSA sold five shares even before the artists were announced, and Peace is confident they will sell out. Shares can be purchased through the CSA website.
Next year’s submission process will begin this winter.
Overall, Peace said, the CSA project is a great way to support emerging artists and purchase nine original works for a few hundred dollars.
“If you only like half of what you get, it’s still a really good deal,” Peace said.
Here’s a full list of the CSA artists:
- Brandon Daniels (painting)
- Tom Dykas (ceramics)
- Matthew Paul Isaacson (sculpture)
- Katherine Miller (printmaking
- Ray Nadine (comic book)
- Emily Peters (fibers)
- Caroline Philippone (photography
- Andrew Raimist (photography)
- Eric Woods: The Firecracker Press (printmaking)
Follow Nancy Fowler on Twitter: @NancyFowlerSTL
